PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1931, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

MR COATES’ PROPOSAL I ALL PARTY FNftUIRY. SUGGESTION AGREED TU, (By Telegraph—Per Press Association ) WELLINGTON, August 21. An air of keenest expectation [iervaded the Chamber and galiniea when the House of Representative:- resound at 2.30 o’clock this afternoon. It had become geiioi'al hoimUdge that something outstanding wan to occur and within m hour and ■■ half there had been a duunaliii change in the Dominion's political situation. The Budget Debate v a - i interrupted by special leave of Lb? House and I lie Leader of the-Opposition illuii. .1. G. Coates) r -.-a and moved: —. “That in. the opinion of I lie House, tho serious economics aaj linaueinl position of Lli e Dominion necessitates urgent and immediate action to cope with the fall in the national income, as revealed by the latest liguifs and consequences arising thereto our. That with this object in view, it be q recommendation to tflie Government that representatives of political parties should be oalUd together in order to decide what jemedial steps should be taken up to adjust the Motional expenditure, arid to provide ton equality of sacrifice and the proper distribution of burdens.

That in arriving at its conclusions this Committee should obtain the host expert advice and assistance from financiers and others.

That in order to enable such inquiry to be carried out. Parliament should be adjourned for ai short period and further consideration be given ,to the position when, the Committee reports to tlie House or Government.’' Hon. J. G. Coates said that the Reform Party had had many conferences during the last fortnight, before reaching a decision. There were two courses open, to the Party, one to go to an immediate election and the other to arrive at a decision. He had indicated it was felt it would occupy two month's at least to go to an election and the Party had decided the time had arrived for all parties to come together in an endeavour to meet the position.

HON. G. W. FORBES

Hon. O. W. Forbes said that be welcomed the resolution and could not but agree with the, conclusion at which Mr Coates had arrived. The question of a National Government would have to be considered by the Committee, also the advisability of postponing the elections. One of the matters the Committee would have to ; look into would be the means •of giving legislative effect to its recommendations. LABOUR’S LEADER.

The Leader of the Labour Party, Hon. iH. E. Holland, said his party rtmdily agreed to the setting up of a Committee but could on no account agree to the postponement of the elections, which he considered would be a grave breach of the confidence of the people. He could not agree to the last portion of the motion, calling for the adjournment of the House, and he asked whether the Leader of the Opposition was prepared to eliminate that portion. He believed the adjournment of the House would only cause a panic which would not be justified. Although the Dominion's position was serious it was mot as bad as some quarters indicated. MOTION DISCUSSED.

The Prime Minister said if the House decided not to ’adjourn, their time could be occupied with such measures as the Transport Bill -and Private Members’ Bills which would not, be affected by the Committee’s recommendations.

Mr Coates said, he was quite prepared to delete, the portion of the motion providing for the adjournment of the House but he felt the Committee would find it necessary to .meet during the ordinary sitting hours of’ the House. Mr Savage.—We can meet that difficulty when we get to it. Mr Coates added that his motion did not mean anything more than it said. He had not intended it to mean the formation of a National Government or postponement .of the elections. What was required was a plan, and it was foi* the Committee to formulate that plan.

MOTION CARRIED

Mr Coates’ - motion was then unanimously adopted with the words deleted to give effect to Mr Holland’s suggestion. In moving the adjournment o.f the House, Mr Forbes said the Committee would be able to meet on Monday.,

The House adjourned at 0.55 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

THE COMMITTEE,

WELLINGTON, August 21

The following have been selected to represent their respective parties on the Parliamentary Committers to review the financial and economic position of the country:— Government members.— Mr Forbes, Mr Ransom and Sir A. Ngatci. Reform Party members.—Mr Coates,. Mr Downie Stewart, and Mr D. Jones. Labour Party members,—Mr H. E. Holland, Mr J. Savage, ’and Mr J. McCombs. The Independents have not selected their one representative. Mr Wilkinson and Mr Rush worth being away from Wellington. It was decided to defer their selection until Monday. Urgent messages have been despatched requesting their return. It is generally believed that Mr Wilkinson will be the choice.